Portune to announce decision about running for governor

Democratic Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune said he will announce at 4 p.m. Monday his decision about running for Ohio governor in 2014.

In a statement released late Friday afternoon, Portune said he recently
began touring portions of the state, speaking with Ohioans and with Democratic
Party leaders since Dec. 15 "to assess interest in an alternative to
current declared Democratic candidate for governor, Ed FitzGerald." FitzGerald is the Cuyahoga County Executive.

Portune said he established a voluntary deadline of
Dec. 31 by which he would decide whether he would name a treasurer,
form a committee, begin circulating petitions and other campaign-related activities.

Portune will
announce his decision in a short appearance at the Integrity Hall Banquet and Conference Center, 2081 Seymour Ave., Bond Hill.

Republican Gov. John Kasich is likely to be the GOP nominee next year.